City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 19, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: JACK BROWAND, INTERIM DIRECTOR, RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Commission for the Arts for a Community Impact Grant for the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Grant Application to the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) for a Community Impact Grant for the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities/Office of the Arts (RPCA).
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Authorize the submission of a grant application in the amount of $5,000 to the Virginia Commission for the Arts Community Impact Grant Program. The grant application deadline is April 1, 2025; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The City of Alexandria is eligible to submit a Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) Community Impact Grant for Fiscal Year 2026 requesting up to $5,000. This grant will provide an opportunity for the Office of the Arts to fund high-quality creative programming between July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026, that will reach and impact communities, including those that are underserved, under-resources, and under-represented.
This grant program is open to Virginia units of local and tribal government (including libraries and departments of parks and recreation) and public educational institutions.
DISCUSSION: The VCA is offering a Community Impact Grant for up to $5,000 to facilitate new and innovative art-based projects or services that reach and impact communities, including those that are underserved, under-resourced, and under-represented. The Office of the Arts plans to apply for $5,000 to expand the City’s JazzFest series of pop-up programs throughout Alexandria via the Mobile Art Lab to support all the program elements including, but not limited to, artist fees, supplies, and marketing.
Previous JazzFest pop-ups have been held in the West End, Old Town, and Arlandria.
FISCAL IMPACT: If awarded, RPCA/Office of the Arts will be able to provide the required 1:1 cash match from the general operating budget and would be responsible for normal administrative costs associated with this grant which include financial and reporting oversight provided by the administering agency (the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities) as well as the Office of Management and Budget and the Finance Department.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities /Office of the Arts
Cheryl Anne Colton, Regional Program Director, Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities /Office of the Arts